Buddy Franklin plays down major role in Sydney Swans surge

Lance Franklin reckons his recent run of red-hot form for AFL flag favourites Sydney is being talked up.

Lance Franklin

AFL

Lance Franklin reckons his recent run of red-hot form for AFL flag favourites Sydney is being talked up.

The forward delivered match-winning performances in each of the Swans' past two matches, booting crucial final-quarter goals for victories against ladder leaders Port Adelaide and Richmond last Friday.

It marked a considerable turnaround for the ex-Hawthorn player, who struggled in front of goal while battling a knee injury earlier in the season.

Consistent training over the last six weeks got him kicking straighter - and arguably longer - than ever.

Asked on Tuesday whether he feels he's been in some of the best form of his storied AFL career, Franklin said: "Not necessarily.

"I think I've been talked up a little bit.

"I'm just playing my role for the footy club and I'm enjoying it."

After 12 games this year, he is averaging more kicks (11.1), disposals (16.1), marks (5.3), behinds (2.1) and tackles (3.0) than he did with the Hawks in their 2013 premiership season.

Yet the 27-year-old said he hasn't gauged a level of improvement or an obvious lift in his game.

"It's not something that I really look at," Franklin said.

"I don't go into a game saying that I want to get this many kicks, this many marks or this many goals.

"I just want to go out there and play my role for the footy club.

"If the goals come, and the marks come, they come. But it doesn't really matter.

"As long as we're winning games of football, who cares what happens.

"Hopefully my form can keep improving."

He is set to reunite with buddy Kurt Tippett in Saturday's clash with cross-town rivals Greater Western Sydney.

Tippett missed two weeks after he underwent minor knee surgery but is a likely inclusion in the Swans' 22 for the SCG match, barring any hiccups during training.

"It does help having Tippo back in the side," said Franklin.

"He's such a big presence up forward and always takes a good defender with him.

"So hopefully he'll be out there this weekend with me."

The $10 million recruit is hoping Saturday's match won't be a repeat of his round one debut for the club against the Giants, which they lost by 32 points.

"We just can't wait to get out there Saturday night and get another win and go from there." AAP